PrecisionHawk Inc., a provider of drone technology for the enterprise, has acquired both Droners.io and AirVid, platforms that enable users to commission drone pilots for commercial work. In turn, PrecisionHawk will merge the companies to form a network of more than 15,000 commercially licensed drone pilots – making it the largest of its kind, the company claims.

PrecisionHawk, which is based out of Raleigh, N.C., says it will continue to connect certified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pilots directly to customers. In addition, it will use the network to service its growing base of enterprise customers in insurance, agriculture, energy, construction and government.

“Droners.io and AirVid share our mission of helping drone operators turn their passion into a profession,” says Michael Chasen, CEO of PrecisionHawk. “Combined with PrecisionHawk’s expertise in providing professional drone services to the enterprise, this merger enables us to build the best platform for drone pilots while simultaneously providing our enterprise clients with the on-demand services they require.”

The company says it will focus on growing its newly formed network of certified pilots both nationwide and abroad. Part 107-certified UAS pilots can join the network and start accepting jobs in their region by creating a profile at www.droners.io.

Dave Brown, who founded Droners.io, will manage the pilot network development team. Patrick Egan, founder of AirVid, will assist PrecisionHawk as a consultant.

“We believe that a drone pilot network is one of the fundamental building blocks of a successful drone ecosystem,” says Brown. “We’re excited to continue our mission with PrecisionHawk and support the growth of the drone pilot economy.”

The announcement comes just two weeks after PrecisionHawk closed $75 million in Series D funding.

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